Khusrow

Khusrow, also written Khusrau or Khusrav, is a male given name of Persian origin. The name is historically associated with kings and rulers in Persianate cultures and has spread to parts of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. Variants in spelling and pronunciation include Khosrow, Khusro, and Khusrav, reflecting different transliteration traditions.

Notable historical figures bearing the name include Khosrow I (Anushirvan), a Sasanian emperor who reigned roughly from 531 to 579. He is remembered for administrative reforms, fiscal and military organization, and a reputation for promoting learning and culture at the Sasanian court. Khosrow II, also called Khosrow Parviz, ruled from about 590 to 628. His reign saw both expansion and chaos, with his later defeat contributing to the collapse of the Sasanian Empire and the subsequent Arab conquest. The figure of Khosrow II has also featured prominently in Persian literature, where he is depicted in romantic and legendary contexts.

Amir Khusrow (1253–1325), a prominent Persian and Hindustani poet and musician at the Delhi Sultanate court, is one of the most enduring cultural bearers of the name. He wrote in Persian and Hindavi and is widely regarded as a foundational figure in South Asian poetry and music, credited with influencing the development of qawwali and several musical forms.

Today, Khusrow remains in use as a given name or surname in Iran, Afghanistan, the Indian subcontinent, and among diaspora communities. The name has various spellings, reflecting regional languages and transliteration practices.